(Millard, NE) -- A Millard school will be closed for the next two weeks due to an outbreak of COVID-19.
On Monday, Millard Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Jim Sutfin announced that Black Elk Elementary will remain closed for the next two weeks due to the COVID outbreak. On Sunday, MPS had told families that the school would be closed Monday after additional positive cases prompted two more classrooms to close. A letter from Superintendent Sutfin states that the school will be able to reopen Monday, November 15th, following a two-week quarantine.
As of Monday, there were 34 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Black Elk, up from 25 reported on Friday and 18 on Thursday. The outbreak was first reported last week, when Black Elk confirmed that it had closed four classrooms. Following district policy, it was required to shut down a fifth and sixth classroom, which amounted to 25% of the building, forcing the entire school to close in order to slow the spread of the virus.
District leaders say the cases also triggered a temporary mask requirement at the school, that will last until Thanksgiving.
You can read the full letter sent to families below:
Dear Black Elk Families,
I am writing to inform you that Black Elk Elementary will be closed for the next two weeks, reopening on Monday, November 15th. This is a two week quarantine time, starting from this past Friday.
During the time the building is closed, we will provide remote learning. Both Mrs. Rozeboom and your teacher will be in touch with you shortly about schedules, schoolwork and picking up items at school such as your student’s iPad.
Our goal is to start remote learning no later than Wednesday, November 3. We fully understand none of this is easy. Our staff will have plenty of grace and understanding as we work through the process, but we know everything we can do to continue learning will be of value to students.
The school currently has thirty-four active cases. We understand you may be interested in having your child tested. This can be done at your pediatrician’s office or at numerous places for free. For your convenience, here is a link to a list of testing locations: https://www.douglascountyhealth.com/109-covid-19/773-where-to-get-tested
Please continue to report any positive cases to us. Just as we have throughout the pandemic, we will update the district website daily, Monday through Friday, with current numbers. If your child develops symptoms or tests positive, please call the school to work through a plan for your child’s absence and re-entry to school.
We have sanitized the school nightly during the week throughout the school year. While students are away, we will also be deep cleaning the building. Additionally, outside facility use will not be available in the building through Friday, November 12th.
Regards,
Dr. Jim Sutfin, superintendent of Millard Public Schools